Former Australian opener David Warner made a contentious statement about great English batter Joe Root, kicking off the banter for the forthcoming Ashes 2025-26. Warner predicted that Root would not have the best of experiences playing Down Under, and that he would feel the heat when ace Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood faces him.
Joe Root has responded to David Warner’s words about the former, which were made a few days ago, about Josh Hazlewood being a potential threat to Root and that Root would most likely be thinking about it. Root is yet to score a Test tonne in Australia. The former English Test captain dismissed Warner’s comments as pre-series banter.
“I can’t have any control on how people see the game or talk in interviews. You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series. Doesn’t really change anything. The thing that stands out for me is I wanted it way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important,” stated Root, as quoted by BBC Sport.
With 150-odd Tests under my belt, I feel couldn’t be more ready for it: Joe Root
Root also seemed up to the challenge of yet another away Ashes series and felt as if he had got it in him to square off against the Aussies. In the 14 Tests which Root has played for England against Australia in Australia, he is yet to score a century. He has registered 892 runs in 27 innings, with the highest score of 89 at an average of 35.68.
“Clearly, the last few tours there have been loads of other things to contend with a lot of distractions. This time, I just want to go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It’s a beautiful country, great place to go and play cricket. It’s going to be hostile, everything you’d expect and want from an away Ashes series. That’s something you’ve got to relish. Going there with 150-odd Test matches under my belt, I feel couldn’t be more ready for it,” he added.
The Ashes will begin on November 21, with the first Test of the five-match series commencing at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The Boxing Day Test, like always, will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while the customary New Year’s Pink Test will conclude the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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